How to Get Around the 25-Year Import Law

The United States has a long-standing law that restricts the importation of vehicles under 25 years old. This law, known as the “25-year import law,” was enacted to protect American automakers and ensure that imported vehicles meet US safety and environmental standards. However, there are several legal ways to get around this law.

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Limited Production Cars and Tourist Cars

Limited Production Cars: Cars manufactured in limited quantities (under 500 units) can be imported under the “Show & Display” law. These cars are restricted to limited annual mileage and must be displayed or stored when not in use.

Tourist Cars: Tourists can import cars for temporary use (up to 1 year) before exporting them back. The cars must be registered in the tourist’s home country and meet certain safety standards.

Modification Imports and Carnet Imports

Modification Imports: Cars can be temporarily imported for modifications but must leave the US within the year. This allows owners to modify non-compliant vehicles to meet US safety standards.

Carnet Imports: Vehicles can be brought in temporarily using a “carnet” visa, which allows for temporary use before export. This option is suitable for vehicles that will be in the US for a short period.

NHTSA-Modified Vehicles and Race Cars

NHTSA-Modified Vehicles: Cars that have undergone extensive modifications to meet US specifications can be legally imported. This process can be expensive and time-consuming.

Race Cars: Race cars of any age can be imported if they were originally manufactured as such. They are restricted to racing events and cannot be used on public roads.

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Gray Imports and Engine/Drivetrain Separations

Gray Imports Prohibited: Attempting to import vehicles under 25 years old through gray imports is illegal and can result in confiscation and destruction.

Engine/Drivetrain Separations Illegal: Importing engines and drivetrains separately to circumvent the import law is strictly prohibited. This is considered a federal felony offense.

Enforcement and Restrictions

The US Border Patrol is vigilant in enforcing the 25-year import law and confiscating illegal imports. Vehicles imported under the Show & Display law may face annual mileage limits. Modification costs can be significant. Tourist imports must be exported after the specified time. Race cars are restricted to track use.

There are legal ways to get around the 25-year import law, but each method has its own set of restrictions and requirements. It’s important to research the specific regulations and consult with experts before attempting to import a vehicle under 25 years old.

How to Get Around the 25-Year Import Law

Can I import a car that is less than 25 years old?

Generally, no. Importing vehicles under 25 years old through gray imports is illegal and can result in confiscation and destruction.

What are the exceptions to the 25-year import law?

Limited Production Cars
Tourist Cars
Modification Imports
Carnet Imports
NHTSA-Modified Vehicles
21-Year Rule with Limits
Race Cars

Is it legal to separate the engine and drivetrain to import a car under 25 years old?

No, importing engines and drivetrains separately to circumvent the import law is strictly prohibited.

What happens if I import a car under 25 years old illegally?

The vehicle may be confiscated and destroyed.

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Can I permanently import a car that is under 25 years old?

Permanent import is not possible without meeting specific conditions, such as NHTSA eligibility approval.

What are the restrictions on cars imported under the Show & Display law?

Limited use, mileage restrictions, and storage requirements.

How much does it cost to modify a car to meet US specifications?

Modification costs can be significant and involve major alterations.

Can I import a car for racing purposes if it is under 25 years old?

Yes, race cars of any age can be imported if they were originally manufactured as such, but they are restricted to track use.

What is the penalty for importing a car under 25 years old through gray imports?

Gray imports are a serious crime and can have severe consequences, including confiscation and destruction of the vehicle.

how-to-get-around-the-25-year-import-law

Key Point	Advice	Characteristics
Limited Production Cars	Import under “Show & Display” law with mileage restrictions.	Limited to cars manufactured in quantities under 500 units.
Tourist Cars	Import for temporary use (up to 1 year) and must be exported.	N/A
Modification Imports	Import for modifications within 1 year before export.	N/A
Carnet Imports	Import using a “carnet” visa for temporary use and export.	N/A
NHTSA-Modified Vehicles	Legally import cars with modifications to meet US specifications.	Extensive modifications may be required, and costs can be significant.
21-Year Rule with Limits	Import vehicles between 21 and 25 years old under Show & Display law with mileage restrictions.	Mileage limits apply.
Race Cars	Import race cars of any age if originally manufactured as such.	Restricted to racing events and cannot be used on public roads.
Gray Imports Prohibited	Illegal to import vehicles under 25 years old through gray imports.	Confiscation and destruction of vehicles may result.
Engine/Drivetrain Separations Illegal	Prohibited to import engines and drivetrains separately to circumvent import law.	Federal felony offense.
25-Year Rule Enforced	US vigilantly enforces the 25-year import law, confiscating illegal imports.	N/A
Permanent Residence Required for Import	Vehicles under 25 years old cannot be permanently imported without meeting specific conditions.	N/A
Show & Display Vehicles Restricted	Limited to display or storage, with restricted use.	N/A
Modification Costs Significant	Expenses may be high for modifications to meet US specifications.	Major alterations may be necessary.
Mileage Restrictions Apply	Annual mileage limits may be imposed for vehicles imported under Show & Display law.	N/A
Temporary Imports Must Leave	Vehicles imported temporarily must be exported after the specified time period.	N/A
Tourist Imports Time-Limited	Tourists can only keep imported vehicles in the US for up to 1 year.	N/A
Race Cars Limited to Track Use	Restricted to racing events and cannot be used on public roads.	N/A
Gray Imports a Serious Crime	Considered a violation of federal law with severe consequences.	N/A
Engine/Drivetrain Separation a Felony	Importing engines and drivetrains separately to avoid the import law is a federal felony.	N/A
US Border Patrol Vigilant	Responsible for enforcing import laws and intercepting illegal imports.	N/A